Portable Airplane Armrest Cushion

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a portable cushion device for temporary attachment to an airplane armrest structure or a passenger&#39;s arm. The portable cushion device is preferably comprised of a base, a cushion positioned atop of said base, an antimicrobial cover covering all or a substantial portion of said base and said cushion, and a plurality of elastic straps attached to said base and capable of encircling an airplane armrest without unduly interfering with passenger controls that may be located on said airplane armrest. The portable cushion device: (i) provides comfort to airplane passengers during a flight; (ii) provides an antimicrobial barrier between the passenger and the airplane armrest; and (iii) does not unduly interfere with the controls that are typically positioned along an airplane armrest.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/662,570 filed on Jun. 21, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a portable cushion device for temporary attachment to an airplane armrest structure or a user's arm.

BACKGROUND

Air travel may be one of the fastest modes of transportation, but it is not always the most comfortable or cleanest. For example, during air travel passengers are typically confined to a relatively small space in the airplane cabin, and forced to inhale re-circulated cabin air. Moreover, the seating accommodations are oftentimes less than desirable. For example, airplane armrests are typically constructed of relatively hard materials, such as metal or plastic, and offer little, if any, arm support. Passenger's forearms and elbows may become sore and achy from the lack or support and/or being in contact with such hard surfaces for prolonged period of time, particularly on longer flights. Current airplane armrests may also be dirty or germ infested from repeated use between cleanings, thereby discouraging passengers from contacting or utilizing the armrest and whatever little comfort it may provide. As a result, passengers may become restless or irritated from having to frequently reposition themselves in an attempt to become comfortable, which may also irritate or frustrate other passengers that are nearby.

Consequently, there is a long felt need in the art for a portable armrest cushion device that may be removably and temporarily attached to an airplane armrest or an individual's arm to provide comfort to a user during a flight. There is also a long felt need for a portable armrest cushion device that provides an antimicrobial barrier between the passenger and the airplane armrest, as well as an airplane armrest cover that does not unduly interfere with the controls that are typically positioned along an airplane armrest (e.g., for controlling the incline/recline of the seat, volume control for the headsets, etc.). Finally, there is a long felt need for a portable airplane armrest cushion that accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, and that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and safe and easy to use.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed herein, in one aspect thereof, is a portable, antimicrobial cushion device for temporary attachment to an airplane armrest structure or a user's arm to provide a user with both comfort while travelling and a barrier against germs that may otherwise be present on the armrest. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cushion device is comprised of a base, a cushion positioned atop of said base, an antimicrobial cover covering all or a substantial portion of said base and said cushion, and a plurality of elastic straps attached to said base and capable of encircling an airplane armrest without unduly interfering with passenger controls that may be located on said airplane armrest. The portable cushion device: (i) provides comfort to airplane passengers during a flight; (ii) provides an antimicrobial barrier between the passenger and the airplane armrest; and (iii) does not unduly interfere with the controls that are typically positioned along an airplane armrest. Finally, the portable airplane armrest cushion of the present invention is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and safe and easy to install and use.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the airplane armrest cushion device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the airplane armrest cushion device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the airplane armrest cushion device of the present invention being installed on an airplane armrest.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the airplane armrest cushion device of the present invention properly installed on an airplane armrest.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the airplane armrest cushion device of the present invention in use.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the airplane armrest cushion device of the present invention installed on the arm of a user and being used in conjunction with an airplane armrest.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of airplane armrest cushion device 100 of the present invention. Cushion device 100 is preferably comprised of a base 110, a cushion 120, a cover 140, and one or more fasteners 160 for removably and temporarily attaching the combination of the base 110, cushion 120 and cover 140 to an airplane armrest 220, as described more fully below.

Base 110 is preferably comprised of a first end 112, an opposing second end 114, a top 116, a bottom 118, and opposing sides 119. Base 110 is preferably comprised of rubber though it is contemplated that other materials, such as foam and the like could also be used without affecting the overall concept of the present invention. The overall length of base 110, as measured between first end 112 and second end 114 is preferably between 7 and 10 inches, and the overall width of base 110, as measured between opposing sides 119, is preferably between 1½ and 2½ inches. The thickness of base 110, as measured between top 116 and bottom 118, is preferably between ⅛ and ¼ inches, though it is contemplated that other dimensions may also be used to suit user preference or to accommodate a particular application.

As best illustrated in FIG. 2, cushion 120 is preferably comprised of a first end portion 121, an opposing second end portion 122, a top portion 123, a bottom portion 124, and opposing side portions 126. Cushion 120 is preferably comprised of foam, such as memory foam, though it is contemplated that other materials, such as neoprene, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene methylene), polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, nitrile vinyl, silicone sponge, silicone foam and the like could also be used without affecting the overall concept of the present invention. The overall dimensions of cushion 120 should approximate those of base 110. More specifically, the overall length of cushion 120, as measured between first end portion 121 and second end portion 122, and is preferably between 7 and 10 inches, and the overall width of base cushion, as measured between opposing side portions 126, is preferably between 1½ and 2½ inches. The thickness of cushion 120, as measured between top portion 123 and bottom portion 124, is preferably between ⅛ and ⅜ inches, though it is also contemplated that other dimensions may be used to suit user preference or to accommodate a particular application.

Cushion 120 is attached to the top 116 of base 110 with an adhesive, though other means of attachment may also be employed such as stitching, hook and loop fasteners, or snap buttons. Cover 140 is preferably comprised of an antimicrobial polyester, and/or nylon, and/or spandex sheeting, all of which are commercially available, that is wrapped around both base 110 and cushion 120 to enclose or substantially enclose (i.e., cover more than 80% of the surface area) both base 110 and cushion 120 in cover 140. Cover 140 may be attached to base 110 and cushion 120 via adhesive, stitching or any other means commonly known in the art.

Each of fasteners 160 are preferably adjustable, double sided hook and loop elastic material. Fasteners 160 are fixedly attached to the top 119 of base 110 in spaced apart relationship, as shown in the attached FIGS. In a relaxed (i.e., un-stretched) state, fasteners 160 should be approximately 8 to 12 inches long (from buckle to end of fastener), and between one and 1½ inches in width. Opening 162 should be capable of expanding to accommodate a user's arm or an airplane armrest 220 without unduly interfering with any controls 230 that may be located on armrest 220 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Further, each of fasteners 160 may be comprised of, or covered with, the same antimicrobial sheet material that is wrapped around both base 110 and cushion 120, and attached thereto via adhesive, stitching or any other means commonly known in the art.

Having described the overall structure of portable airplane cushion device 100, it's use and usefulness will now be described. FIG. 3 illustrates the device 100 being installed on a prior art airplane armrest 220, which is comprised of an end portion 222, a top 224, a bottom 226 and opposing sides 228. Airplane armrest 220 may further comprise one or more passenger controls 230 that, for example, are used to control the incline/recline of the passenger's seat, adjust the volume on the headset, etc. The user 200 temporarily installs the cushion device 100 by inserting the end portion 222 of armrest 220 into the continuous openings 162 formed by each of fasteners 160 (which expand due to their elasticity and may be wrapped around armrest 220) and positioning the device 100 into a desired position along airplane armrest 220, wherein the base 110 and cushion 120 will rest on the top 224 of armrest 220 and fasteners 160 extend around the sides 228 and bottom of 226 of armrest 220.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the airplane armrest cushion device 100 of the present invention properly installed on an airplane armrest 230. Importantly, when properly installed, fasteners 160 do not unduly interfere with armrest controls 230 due to their unique structure and arrangement, thereby allowing a user 200 to both enjoy armrest cushion device 100 and to still have access to passenger controls 230. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the airplane armrest cushion device 100 of the present invention in use, wherein user's arm 210 rests comfortably atop of device 100, which device 100 also serves as an antimicrobial barrier between user 200 and any germs that may otherwise be present on armrest 220. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the airplane armrest cushion device 100 of the present invention properly installed on the arm 210 of user 200 and used in conjunction with airplane armrest 220.

When a user's flight concludes, user 200 can quickly and easily remove cushion device 100 from airplane armrest 220 by sliding device 100 and each of fasteners 160 back over end portion 222 and away from armrest 220, or unwrapping fasteners 160 from around armrest 220. Cushion device may then be cleaned and/or disinfected by any means known in the art and stored until it is needed again. In this manner, armrest cushion device 100 can be removably attached to an airplane armrest 220 to provide comfort to a user 200 during a flight. Cushion device 100 also provides an antimicrobial barrier between the passenger and the airplane armrest 220 without unduly interfering with the controls 230 that are typically positioned along an airplane armrest. Finally, cushion device 100 is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and safe and easy to use.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor intends for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable airplane armrest cushion device comprising: a base; a cushion; a cover; and at least one fastener for removably attaching said portable airplane armrest cushion device to an airplane armrest.
 2. The portable airplane armrest cushion device of claim 1 comprising two fasteners for removably attaching said portable airplane armrest cushion device to said airplane armrest.
 3. The portable airplane armrest cushion device of claim 1, wherein said cover is comprised of an antimicrobial polyester.
 4. The portable airplane armrest cushion device of claim 1, wherein said cover and at least one fastener is comprised of an antimicrobial.
 5. The portable airplane armrest cushion device of claim 1, wherein said portable airplane armrest cushion device does not interfere with the operation of an armrest control.
 6. The portable airplane armrest cushion device of claim 1, wherein said at least one fastener is an expandable cuff attached to said base and capable of encircling said airplane armrest.
 7. An cushion device comprising: a base comprised of a top and a bottom; a cushion positioned on the top of the base; an antimicrobial cover enclosing a substantial portion of the base and the cushion; and two straps for removably attaching said cushion device to an airplane armrest.
 8. The cushion device of claim 7, wherein said antimicrobial cover is comprised of polyester.
 9. The cushion device of claim 7, wherein said two straps are comprised of an elastic material.
 10. The cushion device of claim 7, wherein said cushion device does not interfere with the operation of a control on the airplane armrest.
 11. The cushion device of claim 7, wherein each of said two straps are attached to a user's arm instead of the airplane armrest.
 12. The cushion device of claim 7, wherein said two straps are attached to the bottom of said base in spaced apart relationship
 13. The cushion device of claim 12, wherein said two straps are capable of encircling said airplane armrest.
 14. The cushion device of claim 7, wherein each of said two straps are comprised of an antimicrobial material.
 15. A portable airplane armrest cushion device comprising: a base comprised of a top and a bottom; a cushion positioned on the top of the base; a cover enclosing the base and the cushion; and two fasteners for removably attaching said portable airplane armrest cushion device to an airplane armrest.
 16. The portable airplane armrest cushion device of claim 15, wherein said cover is an antimicrobial cover.
 17. The portable airplane armrest cushion device of claim 15, wherein said cover is comprised of an antimicrobial polyester.
 18. The portable airplane armrest cushion device of claim 15, wherein said portable airplane armrest cushion device does not interfere with the operation of an armrest control positioned on said airplane armrest.
 19. The portable airplane armrest cushion device of claim 15, wherein each of said two fasteners is an expandable cuff attached to the bottom of said base and capable of encircling said airplane armrest.
 20. The portable airplane armrest cushion device of claim 15, wherein each of said two fasteners is further comprised of an antimicrobial cover. 